How should dependent claims be formatted in a PCT application?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. Dependent claims in a PCT application should be formatted according to PCT Rule 6.4 , as referenced in MPEP 1824 : Dependent claims should refer to other claim(s) at the beginning They should state the additional features claimed Multiple dependent claims should refer to other claims in the alternative only Multiple dependent claims cannot serve as a basis for other multiple dependent claims The MPEP states: “ Any claim which includes all the features of one or more other claims (claim in dependent form, hereinafter referred to as “dependent claim”) shall do so by a reference, if possible at the beginning, to the other claim or claims and shall then state the additional features claimed. “ Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Alternative Only Multiple Dependent Claims Permitted MPEP 1824 Permitted No Basis for Multiple Dependent Claims MPEP 1824 Prohibited Multiple Dependent Claims Must Use Alternatives Only MPEP 1824 Required Multiple Dependent Claims Permitted Only In Alternatives MPEP 1824 Multiple Dependent Claims Include All Referenced Limitations MPEP 1824 Required Dependent Claims Must Refer to Parent Claims MPEP 1824 Required Dependent Claims Must Be Grouped Together MPEP 1824 Required Claims Should Prefer Parentheses for Reference Signs MPEP 1824 Required Dependent Claim Format Requirement MPEP 1824 Permitted Claims Must Be Reasonable Considering Invention Nature MPEP 1824 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can claims be amended in a PCT application? How should claims be numbered in a PCT application? Can claims in a PCT application refer to the description or drawings? What are the main requirements for claims in a PCT applicati...